Abstract

Componential Analysis as Lexicographical Instrument. One of the most important functions of descriptionptive dictionaries is to convey semantic information. The lexical meaning of a collection oflexical items must be defined according to certain semantic norms. One of the lexicographer's major problems is that inadequate semantic norms have been identified and defined for the introduction of encyclopedic information into standard dictionaries. It is for example generally accepted that encyclopedic information has no place in descriptionptive dictionaries because it descriptionbes extralinguistic reality, while descriptionptive dictionaries should be confined to language. Nevertheless, a complete, clear and unambiguous conveyance of meaning sometimes requires that a certain amount of encyclopedic information should be incorporated in the elucidation of meanings. The lexicographer needs practical guidelines in order to accomplish a proper conveyance of meaning.